Caster Gear

[arek]

This is an expansion of an idea I presented on the "Avatars" thread: Untagged, set caster gear. All names are just something I came up with as I was typing up the items, and can be changed if desired (recommendations welcome).

First the cloaks:

Wizardly/Natural/Sorcerous/Divine Persistence
==========================
AC +16 (deflection)
Spell Slots: 4x7,4x8,4x9 (no bard version, bard version already exists)
10% Physical Imms.
(caster stat) +12
Con +12
Freedom
Imm: Mind
+5 Saves (universal)
Regeneration: +6
Skills: Concentration +10, Discipline +10, (class-specific) +20
Spell Immunity: Harm

These cloaks are based on the Set-Malad drop Enfolding Captivation, and the only changes from it are to alter the spellslot levels, caster stat, and +20 skill as appropriate for the caster type. These would ideally be added to the set chest in Malad where Enfolding Captivation drops or in some other, reasonably equivalent area (if they're put in a different area, moving Enfolding Captivation there should probably be considered as well).

Next up: Rings.

Signet of the Master
====================
Must be Level 50 to use.
Spell Slots: 4x7,4x8,4x9 (4x4,4x5,4x6 for bard)
10% Elements

These are meant to fall between Dachy rings and Tia rings, leaning more towards a watered-down version of the Tia rings. Perhaps the %elements could be reduced, but some %elements should be there, or these rings will wind up being used about as often as the Dachy rings are (which is, afaik, never).

And finally, Boots

Boots of the Master
===================
Must be Level 50 to use.
AC +16 (dodge)
Spell Slots: 3x7,3x8,3x9 (3x4,3x5,3x6 for bard)
+12 to stat (Cha for cleric, Dex for bard/druid, Str for wiz/sorc)
Haste
+5 saves (universal)
Skill Bonus: Concentration, Discipline +10

These are meant to be a direct upgrade to the Dachy boots, yet to not truly compete with Tia boots. I do see them as a viable option in lieu of Tia boots, but you do sacrifice a few spellslots if you choose to use 'em.

Notes:

• Both the Rings and the Boots could, without too much trouble, have their names changed to "of the Axerian Battlecaster", and be made to drop in the appropriate place. That said, these don't really follow the pattern of the Battlecaster gear, but who knows...maybe the battlecasters liked to have mid-level slots on their belts/cloaks and high-level slots elsewhere. :-)
  
• I didn't do belts/staves because there are already decent untagged belts/staves available.
  
• As for amulets, I don't see the need to make new caster amulets. It's really a toss-up as to whether or not any given caster will want to use a caster amulet, and there is already a good progression of caster amulets in-game (dachy->PoM->Tia) for those who do want to use them. For avatars, a nice amulet with an appropriate UR caster augment on it should do nicely. Also, there are at least a few BUR amulets out there with spellslots on them.

In any case, I hope you like the ideas presented here (and can understand the way I wrote them )

--Arek

[redbeard]

I'm curious if the boots and rings being between Dachy and Tia would reduce the number of Dachy runs. Or would they drop someplace where only experienced players would have much chance of finding them?

[arek]

That the rings/boots might reduce or eliminate the need for Dachy gear is a valid concern, especially since these items are meant to be untagged. For this reason, I recommend having the boots and ring require a minimum level of 50 (perhaps even 55) to use (and have now updated them to reflect this - the cloaks remain unchanged).

--Arek

[FunkySwerve]

We'll keep these items in mind for the upcoming Maze expansion areas.

Funky